Change Your Diet

Gout pain is caused by glass-like crystals of uric acid that build-up in your joints. Uric acid is a by-product of the breakdown of waste products called purines. Therefore, one of the main treatments for gout is to avoid foods and beverages that are high in purines. These include:

Organ meats (eg, liver, kidney, brain, sweetbread, heart)

Fish roe

Mussels

Anchovies

Herring

Sardines

Legumes (eg, dried beans, peas, soybeans)

Meat extracts

Consommé

Gravies

Mushrooms

Spinach

Asparagus

Cauliflower

Poultry

Alcoholic beverages, especially beer and wine—Be sure to avoid binge drinking of any type of alcohol.

In addition to avoiding foods high in purines, you should reduce your intake of high-fructose drinks. Examples include sugar-sweetened sodas and orange juice.

The severity of gout varies from person to person. Talk with your doctor about how strict your diet should be.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Fluids help flush uric acid from the body, so drinking lots of fluids can help control and prevent recurrence of gout attacks.

Lose Weight and Maintain an Appropriate Weight

Losing weight can help lower uric acid levels. If you are overweight, losing weight should help reduce your symptoms and prevent future gout attacks. However, do not go on a crash diet because this can make your gout worse. Consult your doctor for help designing a safe and effective weight loss program that includes:

Setting a proper weight loss goal

An appropriate diet to both lose weight and maintain a proper weight. For more information on achieving and maintaining a healthful weight,
click here
.

A regular exercise program. For more information on starting a regular exercise program,
click here
.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Can we help answer your questions?

Wellmont Nurse Connection is your resource for valuable health information any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Speak to a Nurse any time, day or night, at (423) 723-6877 or toll-free at 1-877-230-NURSE.